Fortnite Ballistic Mode Brings CS-Style Combat to the Game

Fortnite is taking a bold step into new territory with Ballistic, a first-person 5v5 tactical shooter mode launching December 11 in early access. This new mode brings a fresh perspective to the game, quite literally, as it marks Fortnite’s first dedicated first-person experience.

How Fortnite Ballistic Mode Works?

Unlike the traditional battle royale format, Ballistic puts you in round-based 5v5 matches where you can’t build – a significant departure from Fortnite’s signature mechanics. The mode splits players into attacking and defending teams, with attackers trying to plant a Rift Point Device at one of two sites while defenders work to stop them.

Each round starts you off with a Ranger Pistol and 800 Credits. You’ll need to manage these Credits carefully, as they’re your currency for buying weapons and items at the start of each round. The good news is that if you survive a round, you keep your gear for the next one, except for any consumables you’ve used up.

The mode introduces a familiar but refined weapon system. You’ve got your standard categories – assault rifles for medium to long range, shotguns for close combat, SMGs for quick encounters, and snipers for those long-distance shots. Each weapon type serves a specific purpose, and you’ll need to pick what works best for your playstyle and budget.

Getting Started with Ranked and Unranked Play

The mode comes with both ranked and unranked options for different types of players. If you’re just looking to learn the ropes or have some casual fun, unranked is your best bet. It’s more forgiving – if someone leaves mid-match, another player fills their spot, and you can stick around with the same players after a match ends if you want to.

Ranked play is where things get serious. There’s no backfilling when players leave, and you’ll face penalties for abandoning matches. The ranking system is pretty straightforward – wins boost your rank while losses drop it. But it’s not just about winning or losing – your eliminations, assists, and round scores all factor into how much your rank changes.

Unlike other Fortnite ranked modes, Ballistic matches you based on your party’s average rank, not the highest-ranking player. This helps keep matches more balanced and fair for everyone involved. If you’re worried about your rank, there’s a small safety net – you won’t lose rank on your first match of the day, no matter how it goes.

The gameplay loop is straightforward but intense – rounds end when either the Rift Point Device explodes (taking 45 seconds after planting), or when one team is completely eliminated. After 6 rounds, teams swap sides, and the first to win 7 rounds total takes the match.

The mode includes some useful features for teamplay. You can check the scoreboard anytime to see how everyone’s doing and what gear they’re carrying. You can also drop weapons and certain grenades for teammates, and pick up gear from eliminated players.

Ballistic launches December 11 on all platforms where Fortnite is available, except for South Korea and Russia (though Epic is working on bringing it to those regions). If you’re planning to jump in, remember to check out the new reticle and damage feedback options in the settings menu – they’ll help you customize your first-person experience.